The UK’s culture war is dying – but the next prime minister will have to stand up to plenty of populists overseas

• Elections in Europe and the US in 2024 seem set to be dominated by divisive, self-styled anti-establishment candidates.
• And that has worrying implications not only for the UK, but also for the west’s shared interests in an increasingly unstable world.
• But as his electoral fortunes continued to wane, Sunak has reverted to a sort of Johnson-lite culture war approach to politics, unconvincing but just as divisive.
• Poll after poll shows the Conservatives terminally lagging the opposition – with some indicating near wipeout for the governing party.

Greeting the neighbours

• Were he to win the keys to Downing Street, this would be a major strategic challenge for Starmer’s new government.
• But so much for the hope London could normalise its relations with Brussels for the first time in a decade when one looks at the buildup to the European parliamentary elections.
• In the nations of Europe there are nine parliamentary elections this year and populists are gaining ground across the continent.
• Even those not holding elections in 2024, such as France and Germany, are enduring internal challenge.

Stephen Barber does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.